St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1887-04-19

the BOOKS In the SlFst Oh a series OF
Papers.
Hon. d. l.. Kiehle, superintendent of
public instruction, proposes to prepare
series of papers Oh matters pertaining to
the educational interests of the state, in
which he will express his ideas as fOrcibly
and freely as he likes His first paper
touches Oh the much-mooted question of
school textbooks and the present law for
their distribution. On this point Prof.
Kiehle says:
uIn 1877 the legislature enacted what Is
known as the state text book law, under
which the state entered into solemn con-
tract binding for fifteen years. 1t deserves
to be mentioned that whatever credit there is
in the device aud enactment of this uniqu
system, little or none of it belongs to the edu-
Gators. Their advice and influence were de-
cidedly opposed, on the principle that the Sc
lection of the instruments of instruction, as
textbooks and apparatus, belonged to the
local authorities and ought not to be as sumed
by the state. 1t is noticeable, by the way,
that this view prevailed at the last meeting
OF the State association, in which a resolution
was adopted approving temperance in the
schools, but Directing to the selection of
textbook for the state. ~
in assuming the duties Of the Office of SUI
perlatendent of public instruction it became
my sworn duty to faithfully execute this law
ia the interest of education. / was bound
not only TO administer the law, but to report
10 the Legislature such recommendations as
would remove defects and increase its ef-
nciency With this understanding of IN
duty approved and recommended so much
of the bill of 1883
AS CHANGED THE METHOD
OF distribution from district clerk to the
county agency system. 1t soou appeared
also that some OF the important books of the
series were not such as teachers had a right
a. ,,,r->..
and some relief was eagerly sought for.
therefor recommended that the legislature
provide for revision by substitution, that
rs by placing some new and good book on the
list in the place of the old. This met with no
favor. Next, advised that provision be
made for q revision in an adequate appro-
priatien. This was rejected also. Here
then. after seven years, in which a genera
tion had begun and ended their school life
with books against the use of which teachers
had protested continuously, there still re-
1uained eight years more, the school life time
of another generation, through which the
condition of things must continue to the utter
Gemoralizing OF our school work and making
wretched the results, none too good at the
best. And perhaps more harmful than all
else has been the influence OF an undis-
gdised violation of law requiring obedience
under severe penalties on the part of officers
teachers and patrons of schools. There was
but one alternative, which was to undertake
Fratuitously and without provision by the
state the work of securing for the coming
eight years series of text books that teach
ers will be satisfied to use and that the
schools might use to advantage. This / felt
myself bound TO do by the very urgency of
the situation. sThis Mr.. Merrill fully appreci-
ated. and it was therefore agreed that he
should employ persons satisfactory to me
who should do the work in its details, and I,
without compensation or financial interest in
the sale of any Of the books either directly
or indirectly. should supervise, plan, direct
and suggest in the making and revision of such
Of the books as we're necessary. The work has
been undertaken and is approaching compile
fion. By the LIST of September next shall be
able to offer the common schools OF this state
a series of text books second to none now be
fore the public.
confess to some pride in being able ia
secure text bnfks Of so high Il grade. pre-.
%, red by Ger own teachers, and in contribute
Ing spmewba, toward developing - sr"'n il.